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Windows 8 vs Windows 10

We explain what the difference is between Windows 8 and Windows 10 and why Windows 10 is a worthy upgrade, either from Windows 8 or a previous version such as Vista or Windows 7.

Windows 8 vs 10: UK price and availability

Buy a new PC or laptop and it will come pre-installed with Windows 10 so the situation is more likely to be whether you should upgrade from Windows 8 (actually Windows 8.1 if you want to be pedantic) or an earlier version.

As an end user you will not know the cost of Windows to your PC's manufacturer, but if you pay for an upgrade or to buy a licence outright you will have to shell out.

You can't buy Windows 8.1 from Microsoft any longer, but it doesn't take much searching online to find it on sale for around £20. Buying software licences from unknown retailers is a tricky business, and we don't recommend it.

Originally, Windows 10 was a free upgrade for existing Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and (some) Windows Phone users. After that first year the upgrade offer ended and you now have to buy a copy of Windows 10.

Windows 8 vs 10: Compatibility

Confusingly, there are three different types of operating system that could reasonably be called 'Windows 8'. Four, if you count 64- and 32-bit versions. Windows 8 itself is x86 software built for use with PCs and laptops, as well as some tablets.

Then there is Windows RT, which was used on other tablets, primarily Microsoft's own Surface and Surface 2. Finally, there is Windows Phone 8 (which explains itself).

Windows 10 does away with these divisions, and Windows RT was ditched years ago.

Microsoft claimed that Windows 10 would run on all Windows PCs, laptops, tablets and phones but that isn't completely true. Plus, only some phones running Windows Phone 8 are updateable to Windows 10 Mobile.

Fortunately, most machines will run Windows 10, as long as they have an Intel or AMD 32-bit or 64-bit CPU. If yours does have a 32-bit CPU, though, it's time to buy a new PC or laptop. For more, see 32-bit vs 64-bit explained.

Windows 8 vs 10: Features

Since Windows 10 arrived, there have been two major releases: the Anniversary Update (July 2016) and the Creators Update (April 2017). These are free and both brought new features and improvements. Here are the latest features in the Creators Update.

Here, though, we'll stick to the major differences between Windows 8 and 10 which haven't really changed.

Start Menu

The return of the Start Menu is a key change to Windows 10 on the desktop. Here's Windows 8's Start Screen:

And here's how it looks in Windows 10:

Some people moaned that Microsoft hadn't listened to their pleas to bring back the Windows 7 Start menu as-is, but the Start Menu is improved in such a way that it may make Windows apps useful.

The Windows 10 Start Menu includes a list of frequently used apps and shortcuts to PC settings. Here you will also find documents and pictures folders.

And Microsoft has retained the functionality of the Windows 8 Start screen over on the right, with resizable Live Tiles, so that you can immediately check unread mail or Calendar appointments.

The Start Menu is customisable - you can resize it, and rearrange the tabs.

Universal Apps and Continuum

These are two big and important features of Windows 10, which will make most Windows 8 users want to upgrade.

A Universal App (including things like Outlook and Word) will provide the same experience across any device running the OS - whether it's a PC, laptop, tablet or even a phone.

The interface, of course, will simply adjust to the screen you're using, but more importantly your data is synched across all your devices so you can finish something you started somewhere else.

Continuum is similar but different.

On a phone, it is the ability to run a desktop-like PC experience. You'll typically do this with the Microsoft Display Dock, which connects your phone to a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

On a tablet or 2-in-1, Continuum refers to the ability to switch between a touch-friendly interface and one suitable for a mouse and keyboard.

Cortana

Another key new feature of Windows 10 not available in Windows 8 is Cortana – Microsoft’s semantic digital assistant. A kind of super-Siri, which can engage you in conversation.

More than simple speech recognition, Cortana constantly scours the web for information to inform its interactions with you. And it learns from your behaviour, contacts and so on, in order to better serve your needs.

Cortana on Windows Phone is pretty great, and it's now available on iOS and Android. So the inclusion of Microsoft’s digital assistant is a big boost over Windows 8.

Search improvements

Universal search in Windows 8 is a much-undervalued feature. It's been in Windows since Vista, but came to maturity in Windows 8. Searching to load up apps and files is much more efficient than navigating via apps and file systems.

And because Cortana is woven into Windows and search, the new search box next to the Start button is extremely useful indeed.

As well as typing you can talk to Windows 10. Whether that's searching for something stored locally or something online, it's all done from the same search box.

You can type or say the name of a file you want, or ask Cortana to launch Photoshop. You can even 'search' for a weather forecast or an appointment in your calendar.

On top of this, File Explorer has been updated with a Quick Access section which replaces the old Favourites. This automatically displays your recent files and frequently visited folders and makes finding files you've worked on faster and easier.

Snap Assist

Every app in Windows 10 can be dynamically resized in a window. That includes 'modern apps', so unlike in Windows 8 - where modern apps can only run full screen or snapped next to one other app - you can run as many as you like simultaneously in Windows 10.

Snap Assist means up to four apps can be snapped per screen. This is surprisingly useful - true multitasking on a single screen without the hassle of manually resizing apps so they fit without wasting any precious pixels.

Even better, Snap a document to one side or one quarter of the screen, and Snap Assist displays other running apps which you can snap to another area on the screen, and this continues until the screen is full.

The feature is intended to save you the hassle of Alt-tabbing through all your open apps to arrange a desktop.

Task View and virtual desktops

When you click the Task View button, you get a new version of the thumbnails you get in Windows 8 (or 8.1) when you press Alt-Tab.

However, this is yet another useful and visual productivity enhancer: Task View allows you to create a kind of multi-monitor setup within a single monitor. It's basically the virtual desktops which Mac users have enjoyed for years.

As with previous versions of Windows you can use Alt-Tab to quickly shuffle between windows. When you click the new Task View button there's an Add desktop button in the bottom-right corner.

On each desktop you can snap apps or run them in whatever size windows you like. So you could keep your email and web browser on one Desktop that you hide away when you are working on an Excel spreadsheet.

Xbox

Finally Microsoft is attempting to make use of the awesomeness that is Xbox, within the dreary world of Windows. Whereas Windows 8 users can install an Xbox app on to Windows PCs, it really doesn't offer much of the true Xbox experience.

In Windows 10 Microsoft aims to change that, and PC gaming is finally starting to get the focus it deserves from Microsoft.

Windows 10 comes with its own built-in Xbox app, offering a unified view of your games, the activity of your friends, and your own gaming activities. Windows 10 also bakes in Xbox Live, so that the more than 50 million Xbox Live members can connect across multiple devices.

You can record and share your gameplay, and you can stream games from an Xbox One to your Windows 10 PC or tablet: a literal game changer. And a massive improvement over Windows 8.

Windows 10: Specs

Windows capable PC and web connection

membership of Windows Insider Program

Windows capable PC and web connection

membership of Windows Insider Program

SHOULD I BUY WINDOWS 10?

With Windows 8 being so poorly received (despite being a pretty decent OS underneath) Windows 10 is certainly a step in the right direction. When it was a free upgrade it was a no-brainer. It's a harder decision now you have to pay. For some, it will make more sense to buy a new laptop, PC or tablet with Windows 10 already installed, as machines running XP or Vista are already long in the tooth.

Comments

mattleythegreat - 23:40 26-12-2017

What a pathetic advertisement disguised as an 'article'. Windows 10 is, in my opinon, only a slight step forward. With 8, they had a clear vision for Metro UI, and didn't mess around with the core desktop UI (apart from removing the Start menu, which you could get back with various programs easily).

Windows 10 is a dodgy, spying mess which is a real pain to work with. It's slow, comes pre-loaded with random games and other apps which you don't need/didn't ask for, removes features, reduces compatibility and has 2 setting apps.

Universal Apps are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TO NORMAL PROGRAMS. PROPER OFFICE IS NOT A UNIVERSAL APP. Universal Apps are messy, buggy and don't integrate well with the OS at all. Windows 10's little upgrades are also an annoyance. Every Windows Update has the 'creators update' crammed in, which I don't want or need, so I have to avoid every time I run Windows Update.

Edge is still a pathetic browser, Cortana is a intrusive waste of time and that massive search bar at the bottom just takes up too much room.

The bottom line is;

Windows 10 is a pain to work with. It's unfriendly update scheme, paired with the lack of continuity between Universal Apps and normal programs, and you have got an unstable mess of an operating system.

Windows 8's core desktop functionality wasn't really touched. Yeah, you have the charms bar and the start screen, but you can remove them easily. You still have full control over your updates, your system isn't crammed with junk apps and Edge is not even there to think about (thank god).

Windows 7 is still the best, and most complete OS from Microsoft. Don't listen to 'Tech Advertiser' no more, if you know what to do, both operating systems are fine.

The End

mecyber - 13:16 08-09-2017

Like it or not I am a Mac user. An old mac user. My 2013 MacAir still runs the latest OSX and will run the new to come High Sierra to be released in a few weeks. I also run Linux as a stand alone install for my work requirements. That said I now run Windows 10 under VMWare (cost$) virtual desktop under my OSX which performs quite well. Have had it installed for approx 7 months now without fault. I work within multiple OS for exploit research etc.

I like Win10. I am not a day to day user and prefer OSX for internet and regular Office type apps due its ability to just work. I am not a one eyed Apple user albeit may appear as so. Mobile is a Samsung Android in my support.

in10 is a huge improvement over Win8 and would recommend Mac owners try the experience (under Virtual Box for free) with a new install particularly to reassure how good they have it with OSX.

PC Users - WIN10 is a best of the bunch OS - If you still use WinXP stay there as your hardware will likely not be supported or support the OS.

Gamers - I use OSX or Linux. Yes they do make games for them and or they do work - Call of Duty, Assassins Creed, Counter Strike, Command and Conquer etc.

Hope it helps.

Michael Brabant - 11:52 06-06-2017

I've been using Windows 10 for over a year now, and it really behaves much like previous versions in that it takes longer and longer to load your computer over time. What starts off as 10 seconds to get to your login screen soon takes 1 minute, then 2 minutes. Then once you are logged in, it can often be a good couple of minutes before the desktop is responsive. Sound familiar? Because it IS familiar. So you really need to either have a very fast computer to deal with the very substantial lag-time you'll suffer, or, you need to limit what you use it for.

My advice? If your computer came with Windows 7, then stick with it. If it's a late model that came with Windows 8, then you might be okay. You'll still feel the need to make a clean install within a year or so, but it will be a far better performer. The infamous upgrade cycle that Microsoft force you into is at play again. That's why half your software that even worked on Windows 7/8 might not work here. My advice there would be to install a virtual copy using VirtualBox or the like, and see if they work there first, before diving in.

Good luck with it. I like what improvements over Windows 8 in terms of features, but the drawbacks will be too great for a while, personally.

vydehi indraneel - 20:37 13-03-2017

Thank you for information.thanks a lot

Syed Insaf - 15:08 24-02-2017

Although! Even Windows 8 was Good! It made Tablets and PC's to Merge and to forget the power of PC's Now Windows 10 made tablets and PC's feel different!! :-D

decwhatty - 17:14 18-12-2016

My issue is simply staying on the computer or the internet and not playing games. When I upgraded from windows 8 to windows 10 the first few weeks were fine then it went downhill from there. I kept on getting blue screen that said "your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. Gathering error information." Then a percentage clock. "You can search online for this later Thread_stuck in device_driver."I searched online for a solution and none worked. Most were not worded in lehmans terms. It would be like a doctor telling a patient's family that the patient suffered a MI which means a heart attack and not explaining what an MI is. I even called Microsoft and they were no help. I ended up having to reset my computer back to the way it was when I purchased it. I'm telling others NOT to upgrade to Windows 10.

Kobayashi Nanashi - 03:39 23-07-2016

WIN 10 is the WORST OS due to the fact some of the games can not be displayed correctly, another thing is this OS gives us a very confusing start menu , last bust not least it often makes PC frozen for no reason , so i believe there MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG with WIN 10 and no wonder MICROSOFT intends to give this OS free of charge to us so i think we should just choose the previous OS like win 8, 7 or even XP because they are more friendly and easy to use.

Guest User 248236 - 18:17 24-05-2016

could not read this article or this page because the text kept shifting up and down due to whatever - I suspect it is all the ads. For a tech site... a poor web page.

john8328 - 23:23 15-05-2016

if it is not free, if they don't do everything they can to force it down people's throat, would anyone get it?

ceel88 - 10:08 01-05-2016

It's unfortunate how riddled this article is with typos and misspellings. Devalues the whole piece, I think.

Mark Newman - 22:39 20-03-2016

I'm thinking of reverting all my computers back to 8.1. I've been using 10 since day one and it has been so invasive and such a terrible design, that I'm losing my patience with it. The biggest problem is not having any control over updates. All the 'comparisons' made in this article are differences I don't want, need or wish for.

mel - 06:02 30-01-2016

Kids got a new laptop for Christmas. WIN 8.1. Our issue is we tried to upgrade and when we did it could find no networks to connect to our home wifi. I'm no computer wizz but tried and tried to get it to work. In the end had to go back to 8.1 so it could be used with no issues at all.

I was on win7 professional and was constantly getting BSOD even with new RAM and fresh installs. Finally managed to upgrade to win10 and all I can say is my laptop runs cooler, quieter, faster and looks great...I'm well happy!

john mcquitty - 15:51 16-12-2015

Hate Windows 8/8.1. I'll not be going to Windows 10 until there are many, many more positive comments about it from actual users - not just from developers.. Once tricked, forever shy.

First! (｡◕‿‿◕｡) - 14:38 17-10-2015

I upgraded yesterday to Windows 10, then my screen brightness controls wouldn't work. Also after a few minutes of using my laptop the mouse cursor would just stop moving at a corner. Went back to windows 8 after a whole lot or restarts due to the lag. T_T XD

HenryTheNav - 22:43 29-09-2015

I use 8.1, but in the format of XP and previous versions. I also use 8.1 pro. There never seems to be a review to compare the old format with 10 and the free upgrade is not for the Pro verssion so I have yet to see the benefits. I know the frequently used apps could be the old XP layout, but I want to choose what is displayed and in what order, not some poor auto option.

preferred user - 20:58 21-08-2015

If you are on a genuine copy of win 7sp1 or 8.1 you might want to take a look at the free trade in and update to windows 10 its substansially improved from Windows 8.1 and all the usall legitamimate PC websites reccomend upgrading.

Windows 10 has lot of features not aviliable in Win 7 and win 8.1 and the ones that were in Windows 8.1 work much better in Windows 10 .

Note : if you update to Windows 10 you can do a clean install from *within* widows 10 if you want to any time or not othewise it will keep your files and most of your settings on the in place upgrade on the same NTFS hdd if you choose that option if not you will need your win 7or 8.1 product key to activate win 10 .

Sent from Windows 10 Pro Evaluation Copy build 10525

Libby Sparkes - 22:15 09-08-2015

So i recently bought a Aspire V11 Touch and upgraded to windows 10 just last week :-( now it seems that my touch screen possibilities are limited to the windows icon in the bottom left hand corner and the bottom tool bar........ I don't like the look of my laptop at all now :-( in fact I'm a little pissed that I've upgraded as my searches seem to take longer and I must be the only person who liked my tiles on screen and that I could swipe through them a touch the one I wanted and Boom there it was!!!!

Christoffer Justusson - 18:39 09-08-2015

I should have known, never to upgrade to ten. "Upgrade". Every review says it is great, and besides this it is free,.. - to good to be true? :-/Metro start menu can't be reverted as promised, it is chopped off and looks awful - nothing like before - why?!? This isn't even an option!! Search is awful too, just like a shopping window, just highlighting some stuff. W8 was best, 8.1 worse, 10 worse and soo slow too. Every graphical aspect has been simplified even more than 8.Viewing pictures is like a sliding gallery function on internet. There's a saying, make things as easy as possible, but not more. Will uninstall it all, windows is even more chopped and mashed up than before.

Dominique Morales - 17:08 06-08-2015

Please, Microsoft, do not force me to upgrade even if it is free into WIN 10... I was forced to update from my sweet WIN 8 PRO into its version 8.1 that once I've already downgraded... My pc bought in 2007 works very nicely as it is, I do no need your new makeups.

Dave - 13:15 02-08-2015

listened to their pleas not listed...

Peter - 17:46 31-07-2015

I wish they would make the file explorer darker, as it is too white.

nilst2011 - 01:33 30-07-2015

Upgrading to Microsoft's Windows 10 is like buying a broken down car with 4 bald tires !

Matts Computer Support - 15:46 08-06-2015

Windows 10 is easier to use than Windows 8 and 8.1. fast if your computer supports it.

Windows 10 will have more support options and continued development for the future of Windows.

It is highly likely that because Windows 10 will be the last full Operating system release, current Windows versions and all service packs will eventually be killed off by Microsoft, so you can still use them but the support will be gone:

Vista,7, 8, and 8.1 will be killed off it will be just Windows 10 and i guess once you're on Windows 10 it may work like this:

Microsoft have confirmed that 7sp1 users and 8.1 users will be able to upgrade and fully activate Windows 10 for free, once on Windows 10 they'll be kept up to date with news, features, and get technical support as time moves on.

Chlo - 19:28 03-06-2015

It's also a caim that we can't even begin to assess

annoynimous - 18:03 10-05-2015

"Windows 10 will be a major improvement on Windows 10"

I feel like that will signal the end of the world :O

John - 21:18 08-03-2015

There is a typo at the end of the article :"Windows 10 will be a major improvement on Windows 10"

sceptic - 17:13 23-01-2015

Never mind Windows 8 how much have they messed it up from Windows 7 the last serious version - only just!!